An Isle of Wight man who sent the editor of Island Echo threatening and unsavoury comments as part of a catalogue of offending, and who was jailed last month for a series of other offences, has had more jail time added to his sentence after further charges were considered.

David Dunford, formerly of Thornton Manor Drive, Ryde, appeared by video link from HMP Lewes, at the Isle of Wight Crown Court, today (Friday, June 14). 

A serial offender, with a record of 37 convictions for 112 offences, including violence and knife possession, Dunford had already been imprisoned for 28 months, for four burglaries, possessing a knife, causing criminal damage and going equipped for burglary.

At an earlier hearing, Dunford had admitted assaulting a pub landlord in Newport by beating, possessing a knife in a public place in Ryde and harassing Island Echo editor, Darren Toogood, in September 2023.

Regarding an incident at the Castle Inn, on September 9, Dunford was asked to leave after harassing pub staff with 'obscure' questions about taxes, said Tim Devlin, prosecuting.

When Dunford was being escorted off the premises, he grabbed hold of a beam and wrapped his legs around a staff member, which caused him to fall against a wall.

The landlord grabbed Dunford, but Dunford dug his nails in and ripped the landlord's shirt — all the while being abusive and threatening to kill him and smash up the pub, court was told.

Dunford also kicked a police van.

At Wetherspoons in Ryde, on September 21, Dunford got into an 'altercation' with a man. Police were called about Dunford leaving, armed with a knife.

Officers found Dunford on Ryde Esplanade. From his sleeve, he discarded a 10" kitchen blade and was arrested, Mr Devlin added.

Regarding the harassment of Mr Toogood, between September 25-29, Dunford posted offensive accusations against him on the Island Echo website, under the name David Collins.

Dunford also sent threatening messages, including one that read: "You're being watched." Court was told this left the editor fearing for his safety and property.

For Dunford, 43, Jason Halsey said his client's offending took place over the three-week period, after he had stopped taking anti-psychotic medication and began drinking, over custody issues involving his children.

"A toxic cocktail of poor mental health and drink led to a period of crisis," said Mr Halsey.

After considering psychiatric and probation reports, Judge James Newton-Price jailed Dunford for eight months, extending his sentence to 36 months.